Benson Grist Mill
Events and Activities
Plan to attend
Farmers Market (Hideout Farms and Ranch) - June 22 - October 19
The Benson Grist Mill Farmer’s Market is where everyone can feel welcome. This thriving community has grown to 27+ vendors with more applying to be added weekly.
Hideout Farms and Ranch’s passion is to create an inclusive space that caters to all, and we are committed to expanding our farmers market to make it the perfect Saturday hangout for families during the growing season.
Join the market every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm as we curate a delightful experience for you. With a diverse array of vendors, delicious food trucks, and live entertainment, the Benson Grist Mill Farmer’s Market is your one-stop destination for weekly essentials. From fresh, locally sourced produce and meats to unique crafts and decor, we have something for everyone.
Come be a part of this growing community and make the Benson Grist Mill Farmer’s Market your go-to destination for quality goods and a fantastic Saturday outing!
Pioneer Fun at the Mill
Step back in time at a free family-friendly event that invites you to take a glimpse into the lives of pioneer children and explore the rich pioneer heritage of Tooele County!
Enjoy an action packed day of hands-on activities as you play games, make crafts, and try your hand at chores reminiscent of those performed by children of the past. It's an interactive and educational adventure for the whole family, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of pioneers in Tooele County.
As a special treat, Tooele County is delighted to offer a complimentary hot dog and drink for every attendee—because what's a pioneer experience without a hearty meal? (One per person, please.)
Celebrate our heritage, create lasting memories, and savor a day of wholesome family fun. Discover the stories of the past while creating new ones with your loved ones.
Get ready to participate in a day filled with laughter, learning, and the spirit of the pioneer era.
Ren Faire - September 20-21
The Ren Faire is a vibrant component of the Tooele County Arts Guild (TCAG) and a celebration of creativity, artistry, and community spirit!
Organized and funded by TCAG, Ren Faire 2024 is made possible by the dedication of our volunteers who generously contribute their time and talents to support artisans in their creative endeavors. TCAG, a non-profit organization, is committed to nurturing the arts by providing educational and artistic opportunities like Ren Faire 2024.
For artisans, Ren Faire 2024 is a magical gathering where they can showcase and sell their crafts while networking with other creators. It's a place where creativity flourishes, and connections are made amidst the backdrop of whimsy and medieval flair.
But Ren Faire 2024 isn't just for artisans; it's a delight for spectators too! Immerse yourself in a world of art, entertainment, and Ren Faire charm as you explore the festival grounds. From captivating performances to unique artisanal wares, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The best part? All funding earned from Ren Faire 2024 goes right back into the community. By attending the festival, you're not only supporting local artisans but also contributing to the future of educational and artistic activities and events in Tooele County.
Stay tuned for more information about Ren Faire 2024, including event details, participating vendors, and exciting attractions. Get ready to experience a day filled with creativity, camaraderie, and endless fun!
Fall Festival - October 18-19
Mark your calendars for the annual Fall Festival at Benson Grist Mill Historic Site!
Join us for a weekend filled with family fun, delicious food, and local crafts.
Admission to the festival is free, and there will be plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy.
Activities Include:
- Free Children's Activities: From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM each day, children can participate in a variety of free activities.
- Vendor Booths: Explore vendor booths offering a diverse selection of crafts, artisanal goods, and more.
- Food Trucks: Indulge in tasty treats from local food trucks.
- Country Store: Visit the Country Store for unique gifts and souvenirs.
Interested in Being a Vendor?
If you're interested in showcasing your products at the festival, vendor opportunities are available.
Please email us at bensongristmill@gmail.com to request a vendor application form or download it directly from our website.
Don't miss out on this festive celebration of fall! Bring your family and friends and enjoy a fun-filled weekend at Benson Grist Mill Historic Site. We can't wait to see you there!
Christmas Lighting and Live Nativity - November 30
Celebrate the Season: Annual Lighting of Benson Grist Mill Historic Site
Get ready to ignite the magic of the holiday season at our annual lighting event at Benson Grist Mill Historic Site! Join us for an enchanting evening filled with festive activities, entertainment, and community spirit.
Event Highlights:
- Live Nativity: Experience the timeless story of Christmas come to life with a captivating live Nativity scene.
- Entertainment: Enjoy performances that will spread holiday cheer.
- Food Drive: In the spirit of giving, we'll be collecting non-perishable food items for the Tooele County Food Bank. Please bring a canned good to donate and receive a treat on us! (One per person, while supplies last.)
Country Store: Browse through our Country Store, where you'll find unique gifts and seasonal delights.
Country Store
Purchase souvenirs and snacks at the country store during your visit. There is so much to do and so much to see at the Benson Grist Mill.
Staff and Volunteers
The Benson Grist Mill is operated under the direction of Tooele County Parks & Recreation.
Administration
Corey Bullock, Parks and Recreation Director
Jodi Brunson, Historic Benson Grist Mill Supervisor
Tour Guides and Mill Staff
Andrea Reynolds
Lesley Pettis
Tally Reynolds
Ina Mogensen
Volunteers
Bob Shields
Karl Dunn
Bowery (Pavilion)
The Bowery (pavilion) includes 12 picnic tables and can accommodate up to 150 people. The Bowery can be reserved for a variety of uses such as:
- Family Reunions
- Weddings
- Company Parties
- Youth Conferences / Youth Groups
- Church Groups
- Boy Scout Functions
- Eagle Scout Ceremony
Weddings/Large Events $500.00
| Reservation Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fees | *Deposit | |
| After Hours Requests (Photography) | $25.00/hr | - |
| Daytime Use (25 or less) | $50.00/hr | $250.00 |
| Daytime Use (26 to 100) | $100.00 for 1-4 hours and $10.00 for each additional hour | $250.00 |
| Individual Overnight Camper | $10.00/night | - |
| Overnight Groups | $125.00/night | $250.00 |
| Weddings, Large Events (100+ people) | $500.00/day | $250.00 |
| School Field Trip | $100.00 | - |
| Ticketed Event | $500.00/day + $2.00/ticket | - |
* Deposits are refundable if the site is left clean.
*Call for rates for Tooele County School District schools
Agreements and Contracts
Benson Grist Mill Bowery and Site User Agreement
Photographer's Contract (after hours)
*The above contracts are a PDF document.
Adobe Reader can be downloaded from Adobe.com.
Contact (435) 882-7678 for more information.
Click here for Reservation Form
How to Get Here......
From Salt Lake City take I-80 or SR 201 West to exit 99 at Lake Point. Drive South on SR 36 about 3 miles until you get to the signal light at the Grantsville exit. Turn west on SR 138 and proceed west 1/4 mile. The Mill is on the right side of the road.
Benson Grist Mill
325 Pole Canyon Road
Stansbury Park, UT 84074
Telephone: (435) 882-7678
The Benson Grist Mill is open for visitors Thursday, Friday and Saturday from May 1 through October 31. Tours of the mill and other pioneer buildings are provided by tour guides who are passionate about the mill's colorful past.
Operating Hours:May – June 1: Saturday’s only 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
June 1 – Third week of August: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Third week of August – October 31: Saturday’s only 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Contact 435-882-7678 or bensongristmill@gmail.com for information regarding rentals.
Address and Telephone:
Benson Grist Mill
325 Pole Canyon Road
Stansbury Park, UT 84074
Telephone: (435) 882-7678
Fax: (435) 882-6003
Email: bensongristmill@gmail.com
Grist Mill History
In 1854 LDS apostle Ezra Taft Benson arrived in Tooele Valley with orders from Church President Brigham Young to construct a gristmill that would serve new pioneer settlements in the area. His labor and commitment still stand proudly today in the Benson Gristmill, one of America’s truly remarkable historical structures.
Located in northern Tooele Valley beside a spring-fed pond, the Benson Gristmill was made of rock and wood by skilled pioneer artisans over 150 years ago. The mastery of their construction methods is easily seen inside the mill where wooden pegs were pounded into massive wooden beams.
From 1854 to the 1940’s, the Benson Mill processed wheat and corn by the ton. The milling equipment can be seen inside the mill during the tour.
The site was known as Benson’s Mill as early as 1849. Thomas Lee and other members of the Lee family were hired to oversee the construction of the Grist Mill which was completed in 1854.
After the last bag of flour was ground in the 1940’s, the gristmill lay silent for over 40 years, gradually falling into disrepair. In 1983 an ambitious committee of volunteers acquired the mill site property and began restoring the structure one piece at a time. The restored mill, which is widely recognized as one of the more intact pioneer era industrial buildings in Utah, captivates the interest of visitors from around the world.
The original restoration committee consisted of: Jack Smith, Chairman, Wayne Shields, Boyd and Ouida Blanthorn, Ray Court, Bob and Marilyn Shields, Douglas Smith and Maxine Grimm.
COME VISIT US AT BENSON GRIST MILL
Serve With Us
Service projects are always welcomed and appreciated in helping to preserve the history and heritage of the mill. There are all sorts of projects available such as painting, construction, gardening, etc. For more information contact (435) 882-7678
Eagle Scout Project
Adobe Brick
Bridge
Country Theater
Garden Bridge and Fence
Machinery Restoration
Wagon Restoration
Visit Us
